Why is one of Allah's 99 names "the Deceiver" (makir)?

In a Nutshell: The assertion that one of Allah's 99 names is "the Deceiver" (makir) is inaccurate and a misrepresentation of Islamic theology. None of the recognized and authenticated names of Allah carry such a meaning or connotation. The existing answer correctly refutes this claim and provides the accurate translation of the term "makir" as "the Planner" or "the Orchestrator." Allah's Names and Attributes In Islamic beliefs, the names and attributes of Allah are derived from the Qur'an and the authentic teachings of the Prophet (saw). These names and attributes are considered sacred and are meant to reflect the perfection, majesty, and transcendence of the Divine Being. "The Deceiver" (makir) The notion of Allah being a "deceiver" is fundamentally incompatible with the Islamic conception of God as the embodiment of truth, justice, and mercy. Ghazali's Opinion Renowned Islamic scholars and theologians have extensively written on the names and attributes of Allah, emphasizing their profound spiritual and intellectual significance. One such luminary is Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111 CE), a preeminent scholar and philosopher widely revered in the Islamic world. In his magnum opus, "The Revival of the Religious Sciences" (Ihya' Ulum al-Din), al-Ghazali dedicates a substantial section to the discussion of Allah's names and attributes. He explicitly refutes any notion that could potentially attribute imperfection or unbecoming qualities to the Divine. Regarding the name "al-Makir," al-Ghazali explains that it refers to Allah's profound wisdom and intricate planning in the affairs of creation, rather than any form of deception or trickery. Al-Ghazali writes, "The name 'al-Makir' means the One who plans and orchestrates affairs with utmost wisdom and foresight, not the one who deceives or tricks, for deception is an attribute of imperfection, and Allah is far exalted above any deficiency or shortcoming." This interpretation is consistent with the Qur'anic verse that mentions the name "al-Makir" (3:54), which states: "And they (the disbelievers) planned (makaru), and Allah also planned (makara), and Allah is the best of planners (al-Makireen)." Here, the term is used to describe Allah's intricate and wise planning, which ultimately prevails over the plotting of those who disbelieve. Ibn Kathir and Razi's opinion Other esteemed scholars, such as Ibn Kathir (1301-1373 CE) and al-Razi (1149-1209 CE), have also discussed this name in their exegeses of the Qur'an, affirming that it refers to Allah's perfect wisdom and orchestration of events, rather than any form of deception or trickery, which would be antithetical to the Islamic understanding of the Divine. Conclusion The claim that one of Allah's names is "the Deceiver" (makir) is unfounded and contradicts the fundamental principles of Islamic theology (kalam). The correct understanding dismisses this assertion and a comprehensive understanding of the matter, supported by the writings of scholars like al-Ghazali, ibn Kathir and Razi affirms that the name "al-Makir" refers to Allah's profound wisdom and intricate planning, not deception or trickery.

This is not true. None of Allah's names contain "deciever". I have read Allah's names countless times and yet I have never even heard of such a name - makir refers to planner, not deceiver. I guess someone has misinformed you. If you read it on the internet, then do not believe it because internet is often full of distortions and mistranslations. If you want to read Allah's names yourself, read the Holy Qur'an.